"If you are pleased with me--"

When I was about 35, I came to the unwelcome realization that I would always have problems and struggles. To that point, I spent much of my life trying to get to reach a place where there would be no struggles. (I think that would be called Heaven). In past days I have been thinking on this theme.

God had called Moses to lead Israel and had told him to lead Israel and said, "You have found favor in my eyes." Then Moses returned to the Israelite camp to find the people worshipping a golden calf, Moses said to God, "If you are pleased with me--" I stopped when I read that and thought, "How would I finish this sentence? In my heart I knew I would have negotiated with God. But Moses' request demonstrates his understanding of God's sovereignty. He says, "If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways, so I may know you and continue to find favor with you" Exodus 33:13.

I wondered, "What do I really know that I know about God's ways?" Not enough, because my natural inclination is to manage, not surrender. This morning I read this quote by Samuel Rutheford, a Scottish minister in the 1600's:

"Come all crosses, welcome, welcome! so I may get my heart full of my Lord Jesus."
--Samuel Rutheford (1660-1661)

Is there anyone out there who isn't struggling?

A Birdhouse in Your Soul

It seems that They Might Be Giants has been singing for 20 years and I've never heard of them--until tonight. I think when you are 61 that might not be unusual. If someone is familiar, I would like to hear some interpretatioin of this song:
Thanks--
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW_hSNHZiBc&mode=related&search=

Good Ole' Boys

I have never put my finger on what I don't like about good ole' boy systems. Yes, I know the regular nepotism or corruption charges. This twist floated up in my mind this week:

When those in charge change, so do the good ole' boys.

It makes for an unstable system, no matter the organization.

Just thinking.